Look after your health when you travel this summer
As new research reveals that Brits underestimate the risks of sun exposure, a leading healthcare service is reminding Brits to consider not only sun protection but all aspects of health before travelling, from having the necessary vaccinations to looking after themselves and family whilst abroad.
With more than 10,400 cases of the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, diagnosed each year in the UK and 80 per cent of skin cancers caused by over-exposure to the sun or sun beds, research by AXA PPP healthcare has revealed alarming statistics when it comes to our knowledge of sun protection.
43 per cent of Brits admit they never use sunscreen higher than factor 20 when in the sun, whether at home or on holiday abroad, whilst nearly a quarter believe applying fake tan on holiday will protect them from harmful rays. This increases to over a third of 18-24 year olds.
The younger generation also have misconceptions over oil. Nearly a third of of 18-24 year olds questioned and nearly a quarter of men think rubbing in vegetable oil can protect from sunburn.
Dr Steve Iley, medical director for health services at AXA PPP healthcare states: “Sun safety messages seem to be getting through but it is clear that more needs to be done. It’s a concern that malignant melanoma rates are disproportionately higher in younger people in the UK compared with those for other commonly occurring cancers. To prevent an increase in skin cancers in years to come, we need to start thinking about the damage too much sun can do, however old we are. Detecting skin cancer early saves lives, particularly in the case of malignant melanoma.”
Despite the worrying findings, the study shows that our attitudes towards sun awareness are changing for the better. Three quarters of Brits use more sunscreen now compared to five years ago, whilst over a quarter say they have reduced their sun bed usage.
But it’s not just sun protection to be aware of when travelling. Here Dr Steve Iley shares his advice for staying safe, and healthy, abroad.
1. Understand the damage that sun and heat can cause
The biggest risk from sun damage is developing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer causing over 2,000 deaths a year. The most obvious visual indication of sun damage is burning, which can range from the skin turning red, to blistering, which get infected and result in hospital treatment. When choosing sun protection, always go for the highest SPF protection available (always use factor 15 or above), and remember that certain skin types are more at risk. For example, if you have fair skin, red or fair hair, lots of moles or freckles, a family history of skin cancer, or if you’ve already had sunburn when you were young, you need to take greater precautions.
Children are particularly at risk in the sun, so it’s important to take extra care of them. Use an all-in-one sun suit, a sun hat, factor 50 sun cream on all exposed areas and make sure you apply a sun cream that is suitable for your child’s face.
Not protecting yourself properly from the sun can also result in heat exhaustion, where you don’t have enough fluids in your body and can’t cool down, resulting in dizziness. If you become properly dehydrated you could develop sever heatstroke; your body will be unable to control its own temperature and you can suffer seizures, hallucinations and ultimately lose consciousness. Seek out shade in peak hours, between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are particularly strong. It’s also important to be aware that children will dehydrate faster than adults, as body size and fluid balance is different.
2. Vaccinate in advance
As with any travel abroad, you should arrange to have the necessary vaccinations a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks before travelling, as it can take this long to complete the required course of jabs. There are different places you can get travel advice and obtain vaccinations, so it’s worth looking into this in advance of your 6 to 8 week deadline to ensure you allow yourself enough time to book an appointment. Some GP surgeries have in-house travel clinics but, if your local surgery does not offer this facility, you can find specialist travel clinics, which are usually private, all over the country. The International Society of Travel Medicine has a Global Travel Clinic Directory online, where you can access a full list of travel clinics all over the world.
3. Stay abreast of developments
It’s also important to be aware of illnesses or outbreaks which vaccinations may not protect you against. The current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa is one example of this. Check the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website regularly for the latest information and advice by country.
4. Insure yourself
The cost of medical treatment abroad is often hugely underestimated: a broken leg in Europe costs about £10,000 to treat and get you home, and a stay in a U.S hospital for a serious incident costs in the region of £100,000. To ensure that you are properly supported and covered in the event of a medical emergency abroad, make sure you have suitable travel insurance before you depart which also covers any activities you want to undergo (for example, a small additional premium is usually required for activities such as white water rafting, skiing, bungee jumping and scuba diving).
Always have copy of your insurance policy with you, keep a copy online, and make sure the people you are travelling with know whom you are insured with. This will ensure you have access to 24/7 helpline to call for non-emergency or emergency advice, and that you are fully covered for medical treatment and related costs during your stay.
It’s also crucial to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when taking out insurance – something people often fail to do. You may need to pay an additional premium but this is generally small and will give you the peace of mind that you will be treated in the event of an emergency.
5. Pack smart
It might sound obvious but taking the necessary essentials to safeguard yourself against potentially dangerous diseases, illnesses or accidents that you cannot avoid through vaccinations, can help to avoid having to face a medical emergency during your holiday. Depending on your destination this could include plenty of insect repellent with DEET, antibacterial gel, sun cream and appropriate clothing and footwear. Be very cautious about relying on mosquito bracelets or plugs; there is little evidence of their reliability and using a good repellent and covering up will be far more effective.
It’s also worth checking whether any medications you are taking are restricted in the country you are travelling to. Many people don’t realise that things allowed in the UK, including common drugs such as codeine, are banned in other countries. If unsure you can contact the embassy of the country you are visiting. Some even publish lists of banned medicines and, if the medicine you are taking is prohibited, ask your GP about prescribing an alternative. As a general rule, it’s prudent to travel with a prescription from your doctor explaining what you are taking and why it is necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns about looking after you and your family’s health abroad, visit AXA PPP healthcare’s Ask the Experts service, where you will usually receive a response to any medical question from an expert within 48 hours.